It's the Law: Delaware Boating Regulations

Part B - Provisions Applicable to All Vessels Covered by this Regulation.

Fire Extinguisher Type and Condition

Extinguishers are classified by a letter and number symbol. The number indicates the relative size of the extinguisher and the letter indicates the type and size of fire it will extinguish:

• Type A fires are of combustible solids like wood.
• Type B fires are of flammable liquids like gasoline.
• Type C fires are electrical fires.

Approved types of fire extinguishers are identified by the following marking on the label “Marine Type USCG Approved,” followed by the size and type symbols and the approval number.

Fire Extinguisher Charge Indicators

Check the charge level of your fire extinguishers regularly. Replace them immediately if they are not fully charged.

To check this style of extinguisher, depress the green button. If it is fully charged, the green button should pop back out immediately.
On this style of fire extinguisher, the needle indicator should be in the "full" range.

Section 1. Fire-Extinguishing Equipment.

(a) All hand portable fire extinguishers, semiportable fire extinguishing systems, and fixed fire extinguishing systems shall be Coast Guard–approved pursuant to 46 CFR § 25.30-5.

(b) All required hand portable fire extinguishers and semiportable fire extinguishing systems shall be of the “B” type; i.e., suitable for extinguishing fires involving flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, etc., where a blanketing or smothering effect is essential. The number designations for size will start with “I” for the smallest to “V” for the largest. For the purpose of this regulation, only sizes I through III will be considered. Sizes I and II are considered hand portable fire extinguishers and sizes III, IV, and V are considered semiportable fire extinguishing systems which shall be fitted with suitable hose and nozzle or other practicable means so that all portions of the space concerned may be covered. Examples of size graduations for some of the typical hand portable fire extinguishers and semiportable fire extinguishing systems are set forth in the following table.

(c) All hand portable fire extinguishers and semiportable fire extinguishing systems shall have permanently attached thereto a metallic name plate giving the name of the item, the rated capacity in gallons, quarts, or pounds, the name and address of the person or firm for whom approved, and the identifying mark of the actual manufacturer.

(d) Vaporizing-liquid type fire extinguishers containing carbon tetrachloride or chlorobromomethane or other toxic vaporing liquids are not acceptable as equipment required by this part.

(e) Hand portable or semiportable extinguishers which are required on their name plates to be protected from freezing shall not be located where freezing temperatures may be expected.

(f) The use of dry chemical, stored pressure, fire extinguishers not fitted with pressure gauges or indicating devices, manufactured prior to January 1, 1965, may be permitted on motorboats and other vessels so long as such extinguishers are maintained in good and serviceable condition. The following maintenance and inspections are required for such extinguishers:

1. When the date on the inspection record tag on the extinguisher shows that 6 months have elapsed since last weight check ashore, then such extinguisher is no longer accepted as meeting required maintenance conditions until reweighed ashore and found to be in a serviceable condition and within required weight conditions;
2. If the weight of the container is 1/4 ounce less than that stamped on the container, it shall be serviced;
3. If the outer seal or seals (which indicate tampering or use when broken) are not intact, an enforcement officer may inspect such extinguisher to see that the frangible disc in the neck of the container is intact; and if such disc is not intact, the container shall be serviced; and
4. If there is evidence of damage, use, or leakage, such as dry chemical powder observed in the nozzle or elsewhere on the extinguisher, the container shall be replaced with a new one and the extinguisher shall be properly serviced or the extinguisher shall be replaced with another approved extinguisher.

(g) Fire extinguishers shall be at all times kept in a condition for immediate and effective use, and shall be so placed as to be readily accessible.